A Texas-Two-Step Leads Coughlin Back into a Truck Ride
DELAWARE, OH – It’s time for Cody Coughlin to break out the cowboy boots. The 20-year-old is headed to Texas Motor Speedway for Friday’s Striping Technology 350 for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Coughlin will be piloting the Zaxby’s / JEGS.com No. 05 for Athenian Motorsports in relief of John Wes Townley.
“I’m truly honored that Athenian called me and asked to drive their truck,” said Coughlin, who had competed in nine races for Kyle Busch Motorsports this year. “I hope to represent the team the best way possible and hopefully give them the best finish possible.”
Coughlin, the dual Champion Racing Association champion in Late Model racing this season with six victories, will be working with first-year crew chief Jimmy Villeneuve. Villeneuve is excited to be working with Coughlin and appreciative of him for stepping in this weekend.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Villeneuve said. “Cody has shown a lot of promise in the Late Model where he won two championships this year and he’s starting to show a lot of promise in the truck. He seems like a great kid. I think we’ll run in the top 10 and have a shot to do really well. I think a top five is pretty achievable and that’s what our goal is.”
Coughlin’s return to Texas brings him back to the site of his own personal best finish. He crossed under the checkered flag in the 12th position back in June, but competed in the top 10 for much of the race.
“I loved racing at Texas back in June,” Coughlin said. “It’s a challenging, fast racetrack, for sure, but it’s also a lot of fun. Texas probably wasn’t our best race as far as pure speed with the truck, but it we still got a pretty decent finish out of it. I’m just happy I’m getting the chance to go back this year and try to break into the top 10.”
The Ohio native will be making his first start with Athenian Motorsports on Friday night in place of his good friend, John Wes Townley, who will be missing Friday’s race with a non-racing related ankle injury.
“I hate that John Wes has to miss Friday’s race,” said Coughlin. “It’s always great to see him out on the race track, but I appreciate him wanting to put me in his race truck while he’s on the sidelines. I hope I can run well and make him proud and hopefully he has a speedy recovery.
“I’m appreciative of everybody at Athenian Motorsports for giving me this opportunity. I also have to thank my parents (Di and John) for doing everything they can to help me pursue my dreams, and of course my sister, Kennedi, for always cheering me on. I am very blessed to have the family that I have, and the opportunities I’ve been given.”
Coughlin will hit the track in Texas for the first time this weekend on Thursday, November 3 for practice at 3:30 p.m. ET. That will be the first of two practice sessions for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Friday, November 4 is race day at Texas Motor Speedway. Qualifying will take place at 3:45 p.m. ET with the Striping Technology 350 green flag set to follow at 8:30 p.m. ET live on Fox Sports 1 and MRN Radio.
For more information on Cody Coughlin and Team JEGS, visit www.teamjegs.com and follow Cody on Twitter, @Cody_Coughlin. Follow Team JEGS on Twitter, @TeamJEGS, and “Like”JEGS Performance on Facebook. Any other inquiries for Cody Coughlin can be sent to Bob Dillner via email at bd51sports@gmail.com.
Media contact: Bob Dillner/Cody Coughlin Racing PR